Joiner App, a Lithuanian startup combating loneliness, achieved tenfold user growth and secured over €500,000 for expansion
Vilnius, Lithuania – Joiner App, the innovative socialisation platform, is celebrating a month of remarkable achievements: a tenfold increase in users and securing over half a million euros in investment to fuel its international expansion.
Launched just two months ago, Joiner App has already grown its user base from 1,000 to over 12,000, now counting almost 20,000. This Lithuanian startup, founded by Eduard Titov, aims to combat the global issue of loneliness by helping people find activities and companionship wherever they are.
The inspiration for Joiner App came to Eduard Titov while travelling during the COVID-19 quarantine. Isolated in a foreign country, he experienced profound loneliness, sparking the idea to create a tool that connects people through shared activities and interests.
"Loneliness is a pervasive issue affecting one in five people worldwide, significantly impacting both psychological and physical health," explains co-founder Jūratė Plungytė, former Uber CMO for Lithuania. "In Lithuania, loneliness has reached epidemic levels, affecting young and old alike. We aim to change this."
Joiner App's success is fuelled by a dynamic team that includes former heads of monetisation and UX design at Tinder and a former head of marketing at Uber. Their marketing strategy is further strengthened by collaboration with one of Lithuania's top influencers and support from Ogilvy Vilnius.
With the recent capital injection, Joiner App is set to expand into new markets, starting with Poland and the USA. "We are targeting countries with high loneliness statistics because we believe our app addresses this problem effectively," says Plungytė. Testimonials from users and endorsements from psychologists underscore the app's positive impact.
One user, Anastasija from Ukraine, shared her experience: "Your app helped me fight depression in the winter." Such stories are common, illustrating the app's ability to foster real connections in an increasingly digital world.
Joiner App distinguishes itself from traditional dating platforms by promoting genuine, face-to-face interactions. "As people become more aware, dating apps are becoming less relevant," Plungytė notes.
"Fewer young women are using them, and we believe they will become obsolete. Joiner App offers a meaningful alternative."
Yaroslav Zubko from California, a former leader in product design and monetisation at Tinder, joined Joiner App to help bring its high-quality socialisation tool to the US. "Excessive virtual communication harms social skills. Joiner App offers a simple way to meet like-minded people face-to-face, addressing a great need in today's society," says Zubko.
Joiner App's founders, Eduard Titov and Jūratė Plungytė, are seasoned entrepreneurs with a proven track record. Titov has spearheaded multiple successful projects, while Plungytė's marketing acumen, honed during her tenure at Uber, drives the startup's rapid growth.
"Our biggest challenge is assembling and organising a team that can work effectively under tight schedules," says Titov. "Developing and adapting the app swiftly to meet users' needs is also crucial as we grow."
"Our greatest asset is our diverse team," adds Plungytė. "Each member brings a unique perspective, and collaborating with talented professionals like the Ogilvy agency team propels our growth."
Joiner App's mission is clear: to transform the way people socialise, moving away from ineffective dating apps and fostering genuine connections. The startup looks forward to continuing its journey, expanding its reach, and making a positive impact on people's social lives worldwide.
Address a real, widespread issue: Joiner App tackles global loneliness, impacting both psychological and physical health, providing a meaningful solution
Assemble a diverse, experienced team: Success was driven by experts from Uber and Tinder, enhancing marketing and user experience strategies
Leverage early successes for growth: Rapid user growth and significant investment enabled swift expansion into new international markets, like Poland and the USA